Northern California Fires –Health Tips for San Franciscans October 10, 2017 Public Health, SF Dept of Public Health Health Tips, Napa Fire, San Franciscans, SFDPH, Sonoma Fire 0 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Rachael Kagan, San Francisco Department of Public Health 415 554-2507 rachael.kagan@sfdph.org SAN FRANCISCO (October 9, 2017) -- The multiple fires currently burning in Napa, Sonoma and other northern counties may be creating the potential health hazard, here in San Francisco. Smoke from wildfires and structure fires can affect health: eye and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing. 1. SELF-CARE Here are some things people can do to help protect themselves: If you can see, taste, or feel smoke, you should immediately minimize outdoor activities. This is especially important if you have health concerns (for example, people with heart disease or respiratory disease like asthma), are elderly, pregnant, or have a child in your care. Contact your health care provider if you experience the following symptoms: Repeated coughing Shortness in breath or difficulty breathing Wheezing Chest tightness or pain Palpitations Nausea or unusual fatigue Lightheadedness As always, if you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1. Follow these precautions to protect your health: Minimize outdoor activities Stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible Do not run fans that bring smoky outdoor air inside Run your air-conditioner only if it does not bring smoke in from the outdoors Consider leaving the area until smoke conditions improve if you experience symptoms related to smoke exposure. 2. HOMELESS SHELTER The Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) is performing wellness checks throughout San Francisco and providing transport upon request for unsheltered people to MSC South (525 5th St), the Medical Respite and Sobering Center (1171 Mission St) and Next Door Shelter (1001 Polk Street). If you are homeless and need transport or care, please contact the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing Services by calling 3-1-1. 3. EMERGENCY CONTACTS If you smell smoke, it is likely as a result of fires in Napa and Sonoma counties. Please do not call 9-1-1 to report, unless you see fire. If you are calling to report or inquire about smoke or ash, please calll 3-1-1. As always, if you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1. Comments are closed.
